Test Opel Corsa 1.2TS/S 100 CV Elegance

This week we have had the opportunity to test the Opel Corsa sixth generation. A compact with an attractive design and a very complete level of equipment, despite being one of the cheapest in its segment.

Although its mechanical range is not very varied, it offers some interesting engines due to its good relationship between performance and consumption. Among them, the petrol 1.2 turbo 100 hp that we have tested is one of the most recommended, both for its price and for having appropriate features for a car of these characteristics.

During this test, we wanted to find out How has the hand of the PSA group been for you? (Citroen, Peugeot, DS…) to the Opel Corsa. Especially since it incorporates a large number of elements from this group, such as the CMP platform, which according to those responsible has reduced its weight and improved the quality of its rolling.

Attractive and youthful design

Before going into mechanical issues, the design of the 2020 Corsa deserves a few words for the great change it has brought about. As you can see in the images, their proportions Now they are more like of a larger car. Good account of it they give their snout somewhat longer and horizontal that the class of 2015 and its steeper rear window.

To this we must add that Opel has managed to equip it with a higher perceived quality than its predecessor without its price changing too much. In which the greater participation of PSA In its development.

The model we have tested is the top of the range (Elegance), which includes some minor details that improve its design: 17-inch wheels, chrome frames on the windows, rear spoiler and a retouched front. However, the basic finish that receives the name of Edition, retains its attractive and neat appearance. The color roof different from the bodywork (white or black) is an extra for all versions that costs 500 euros.

As for its repertoire of colors, in addition to the Quantum Orange of the tested unit (free), the Opel Corsa can be chosen in five other metallic colors (red, light and dark blue and light and dark grey) and two solid colors (black and white). ). The wheels can be 15, 16 or 17 inches, in a silver, black or two-tone finish.

Simple, intuitive and pleasant interior

Once inside the new Corsa, it is clear what Opel's intention has been: the ease of handling and simplicity. The buttons that flanked the touch screen have disappeared and the controls of the air conditioning or climate control occupy a third part than before. All functions must be controlled from the screen, which has an intuitive and fast handling.

At steering wheel follow the same tendency to simplicity. Most of its functions are distributed in two circular buttons on Both Sides. Which is not a bad option in itself, but not having reliefs that guide the driver by touch can be a usability problem. Sometimes it is not easy to squeeze them in the right place without groping too much or ending up having to look down to find them.

As for the materials used, they have opted for the shiny black (piano) for the plastics that surround the gearbox, the air conditioning and the screen. Which gives it a distinguished touch, but it gets dirty and scratches easily. The rest of plastics it's one acceptable quality, but suffer from the same fragility. So if they are not taken care of well they will end up scratching soon. Where more quality is perceived is on the dashboard, where the moldings and top padding give it a stylish look.

Correct space but without boasting

In general, the space inside the Corsa is correct, although it is far from other cars like the Seat Ibiza. In front there is enough space for large people and behind two adults can travel comfortably if they are not taller than 1.82 m. The central rear seat does not go beyond what is expected in cars of this category, because only a child or a person of short stature would travel comfortably in it.

Depending on the brand, the trunk has a capacity of 309 liters, which is 24 more than the fifth generation of the Corsa and which places it in the middle of the table within the compact segment B. Even so, it has some very usable shapes that allow you to hold up to five carry-on bags for airplane That is, 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Also, if you opt for the anti-puncture kit, under the floor there will be plenty of space to store other small packages. An improvable detail is that, when the seats are folded down, they leave a very large step.

Mechanical range of the Opel Corsa

The Opel Corsa 2020 can be chosen with four different engines: three gasoline and one diesel. The gasoline all have the same block of 1.2 liters and three cylinders, with 75, 100 and 130 hp. The least powerful is atmospheric and can only be combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox. That is why it is recommended for mostly urban use.

The other two have a turbo that gives them extra power and elasticity. The intermediate can be mounted with a 6-speed gearbox or with the automatic torque converter with 8 (AT8). The most powerful can only carry the automatic. As for the diesel, there is only the 1.5-liter block with 102 hp, available only with the 6-speed manual transmission. To this we must add the electric Opel Corsa-e, with 136 hp and a 50 kWh battery.

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The 1.2T three-cylinder, more than enough

The unit we have tested is, in our opinion, the most recommendable of all gasoline engines. At least, if you want the manual change (you can see the test of the automatic version here). It has the power to move with ease to the Opel Corsa both in the city and on the highway and offers moderate consumption.

During the test we recorded a fuel consumption of 6 liters on the highway, 5,1 liters on the highway and 7,4 liters in the city. In all circumstances with moderate traffic, without traffic jams and always respecting the Speed ​​limits. Some good figures, which it achieves in part due to its low displacement and its three-cylinder configuration.

In return, this three-cylinder engine produces vibes which are mainly noticeable at idle and low rpm. Although, from our point of view, it is at adequate levels, which do not have to be a problem. Only people very used to more balanced engines can accuse this feature. What is not so noticeable in the passenger compartment is the noise of the engine, which is well soundproofed even when revving up.

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Engine types

It drives alone...

As for its handling with the manual transmission, it is noted that the brand has made an effort to make it easy to handle. Enough with release the clutch little by little so that the car comes out almost as if it were a diesel. Its electronics are configured to go up to 1.200 rpm on its own.

Thanks to this, the driver can forget about the set of pedals in parking maneuvers or when starting the march (as long as he does not want to leave quickly). Only on steep slopes will it be necessary to give it some gas, but the hill start assistant will be there to avoid problems.

Another peculiarity of this engine focused on ease of handling is that, when pressing the clutch to change gear, the revolutions drop very slowly. In other words, it maintains the inertia of rotation in a vacuum for a long time. This help people who drive calmly and they take their time engaging the next gear. Conversely, those who prefer to shift quickly may find it a bit heavy and require them to release the clutch more slowly than usual when shifting into a higher gear.

At the wheel: great comfort and adequate dynamics

La suspension of the Opel Corsa has a rather soft tare. It is comfortable to circulate on bumpy roads or with frequent speed bumps. At the same time, manages to reduce the sway of the bodywork enough to maintain some agility. Although that is due rather to the low weight of this car, with just over 1.100 kg.

Testing it with a driving Sports, the Opel Corsa has been shown stable and predictable. Thanks again to its low weight and low center of gravity. Approaching your limit, shows a tendency to understeer, very common in this type of cars. Except perhaps for the Seat Ibiza with the basic suspension, which tends to oversteer in some circumstances. In any case, the Corsa 2020 is intended rather for quiet driving very suitable for the average driver.

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Summary, conclusions and rivals

If we had to define the Opel Corsa 2020 with a single word, we would choose "simplicity". This is noticeable both by the usability of your multimedia systemas per most features what is outside of it. The same goes for your small 1.2T 100 hp engine with manual transmission, which is designed to make life easier for the driver in any circumstance.

Precisely this configuration engine and transmission It is the one we consider most recommendable for its good relationship between power, consumption and price. Although the version that we have tested was the top of the range, with extras such as parking assistance or the electric parking brake, it can also be purchased for 15.200 euros in the Edition version. That's not counting potential dealer discounts.

It is a recommended car for those who have a calm driving style and are looking for a certain ride comfort. In addition, from a careful design or with a good equipment in all its versions. Even the most basic includes driving aids such as fatigue alert, automatic light control, cruise control with limiter, emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, lane keeping alert and frontal collision prevention system.

Equipment of the Opel Corsa

Edition

• Hill start assistant
• Height and depth adjustable steering wheel
• fatigue alert
• Isofix anchorages on the rear side seats with Top Tether
• 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat (fore/aft; backrest)
• 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat (Up/Down; Fore/Aft; Backrest)
• Split rear seat (60/40) folding
• automatic light control
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• manual parking brake
• Steering wheel multimedia controls
• manual air conditioning
• Halogen headlights
• Emergency braking system with pedestrian detection (camera-based, daylight only)
• Driver and passenger, front, side and curtain airbags
• Lane Keeping Alert
• Safety belt reminder in front and rear seats
• Front and side passenger airbag deactivator
• Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Front collision prevention system
• 4,2-inch color instrument cluster
• On-board computer
• Radio RF 400 Color with 4 speakers
• Puncture kit
• tire pressure sensor
• 16-inch steel wheels

GS–Line

• Jet Black headliner padding
• Sports front seats
• Front and rear electric windows with one-touch and anti-pinch function
• Alloy sports pedals
• Leather steering wheel with silver inserts
• high beam assistant
• LED type headlights
• LED type daytime running lights
• LED taillights
• 7-inch color Driver Information Center with chrome accents
• DAB/DAB+/DMB-R Digital Radio with 6 speakers
• MP3 compatibility, USB connection and Bluetooth
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• USB 2.1A or 1.0A
• 16-inch alloy wheels

Elegance

• ECO LED headlights
• LED type front fog lights
• Visibility Pack
• Floor Console – Advanced with Armrests
• Comfort design front seats
• Ambient lighting in the front doors
• Window trim in black on top and chrome on bottom
• rear center headrest
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Wider tires 205/45 R17

Opel Corsa prices

Editor's opinion

Opel Corsa Gallery